Paper-Towel Apparatus for Reusing Non-Structured Paperless Paper-Towels

ABSTRACT

A reusable towel dispenser includes a reusable towel holding compartment and a reusable towel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel to be removed from the reusable towel holding compartment. The dispenser additionally includes a reusable towel input of the towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input being configured to allow reusable towels to be loaded in the reusable towel holding compartment. Furthermore, the dispenser includes a mounting structure configured to mount the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holder.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This present application claims priority from U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/243,695 filed Sep. 18, 2009, which is titled“Paper-Towel Apparatus for Reusing Non-Structured Paperless Paper-Towelsand from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/243,705 filed Sep. 18,2009, which is titled “Paper-Towel Apparatus for Reusing Non-StructuredPaperless Paper-Towels,” the entire contents of each of which areincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to an apparatus configured to enable reuse ofpaperless paper-towels.

BACKGROUND

Disposable paper-towels are commonly found in households and commercialbusinesses. For example, a long flat paper sheet is stamped intonumerous loosely connected tissue paper sections (or tissues) andwrapped around the circumference of a cardboard tube to form atraditional paper-towel roll. The tissues of a traditional paper-towelroll are structured in that they are organized as a circumferentialwrapping which spirals around the cardboard tube. Each tissue can beunwrapped and detached from the next tissue by a slight physical force.

Also, tissue paper sections can be separated and structured in anenclosed container with a thin opening during manufacturing so as toenable removal of tissues one at a time. In particular, the tissues canbe stacked in a box, one directly on top of another, such that removalof the final tissue pulls the next tissue to expose a flap of the tissuefor ease of handling through the thin opening. In this configuration,the tissues are not connected after manufacture.

SUMMARY

In general, in some aspects, a reusable towel dispenser includes areusable towel holding compartment and a reusable towel output of thereusable towel holding compartment, the reusable towel output beingconfigured to enable a reusable towel to be removed from the reusabletowel holding compartment. The dispenser also includes a reusable towelinput of the towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input beingconfigured to allow reusable towels to be loaded in the reusable towelholding compartment. The dispenser further includes a mounting structureconfigured to mount the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towelholding-rod of a paper-towel holder using a clamp. The clamp includes acrevice configured to hold the paper-towel holding-rod. Also, the clampincludes opposing pieces that are configured to be pushed toward eachother such that the opposing pieces substantially surround thepaper-towel holding-rod.

In other implementations, some aspects include a reusable toweldispenser which includes a reusable towel holding compartment and areusable towel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, thereusable towel output being configured to enable a reusable towel to beremoved from the reusable towel holding compartment. The dispenseradditionally includes a reusable towel input of the towel holdingcompartment, the reusable towel input being configured to allow reusabletowels to be loaded in the reusable towel holding compartment.Furthermore, the dispenser includes a mounting structure configured tomount the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holder.

This and other implementations can optionally include one or more of thefollowing features, which also may optionally be in any combination. Forexample, the mounting structure can include a fastener configured tofasten the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod. Thedispenser can include an operating mechanism of the fastener. To fastenthe reusable towel dispenser to the paper-towel holding-rod, thefastener can be configured to apply pressure around the paper-towelholding-rod as an operating mechanism is rotated. The operatingmechanism can be a cap.

Also, the mounting structure can include a clasp configured to clasp thereusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod of the apaper-towel holder. The clasp can include two opposing curved arms and aspring configured to push the opposing arms towards each other. To claspthe reusable towel dispenser to the paper-towel holding-rod, theopposing curved arms can be configured to be able to be moved outwardsuch that the paper-towel holding-rod can pass between the opposingcurved arms. The clasp can include a metal spring configured to form aloop. To clasp the reusable towel dispenser to the paper-towelholding-rod, the spring can be configured to be able to be opened suchthat the loop becomes large enough to allow passage of the paper-towelholding-rod.

Further, the mounting structure can be configured to mount the reusabletowel dispenser to an ear-muff style paper-towel holder. The mountingstructure can include a cable configured to wrap around one or more endsof the ear-muff style paper-towel holder. The dispenser can include aspring-loaded rod configured to retract slack from the cable into thereusable towel dispenser. The mounting structure can include a gripconfigured to be placed around ends of the ear-muff style paper-towelholder. The grip can be configured to press the ends of the ear-muffstyle paper-towel holder inward towards the reusable towel dispenser. Inaddition, the dispenser can include a locking mechanism configured tolock the mounting structure in a position where the reusable toweldispenser is mounted to the paper-towel holder.

Moreover, the dispenser can include a hollow cylindrical center of thereusable towel dispenser configured to allow passage of a paper-towelholding-rod of the a paper-towel holder. An inner surface of the hollowcylindrical center can be covered with an elastomer. The mountingstructure can include a clamp configured to clamp the reusable toweldispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod. The clamp can include a creviceconfigured to hold the paper-towel holding-rod. The clamp can includeopposing pieces that are configured to be pushed toward each other suchthat the opposing pieces substantially surround the paper-towelholding-rod.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus with a protruding portion.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus without a protruding portion.

FIGS. 3A-3B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses configured to allow reuse of paper-towels while functioningas conventional paper-towel rolls.

FIGS. 4A-4C are example illustrations of loading mechanisms for areusable paper-towel holding apparatus.

FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towel holding-rodthrough use of a fitted center.

FIGS. 6A & 6B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses which are configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clamp.

FIG. 7A-7C are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses which are configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener.

FIGS. 8A & 8B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses which are configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clasp.

FIGS. 9A-9D are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses which are configured to be mounted on an ear-muff stylepaper-towel holder.

FIGS. 10A & 10B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towelholding apparatuses with reusable paper-towel hanging structures.

FIGS. 11A & 11B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towelholding apparatuses with dual internal compartments individuallytailored for used and unused reusable paper-towels, respectively.

The details of one or more implementations are set forth in theaccompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will beapparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Traditional paper-towels are paper-based tissues which are briefly usedand then discarded. Therefore, all of the energy and resources used tomanufacture, transport, sell, and dispose of each tissue goes towards asingle use. In the aggregate, the environmental impact of a societyreliant on disposable paper-towels is massive. Reusable paper-towels,however, can be manufactured out of various materials which can bewashed without being destroyed. A paper-towel system allowing for thereuse of paper-towels could cut this environmental impact to a smallfraction of its current state.

Paper-towels wrapped around a paper-towel roll are structured as aloosely connected number of sections which are tightly spiraled around acylindrical center. This spiral structuring is put in place duringmanufacturing. Because the paper-towel roll requires each separatetissue to be connected in series, a consumer could not reuse thepaper-towel roll as a dispenser for reusable paper-towels. Therefore,once the paper-towels are used, the paper-towels and the paper-towelroll are not reusable by the consumer and are all discarded.

Products like Kleenex™ tissues are sold in a container with the tissuesdisconnected and stacked on top of each other. The structure of thestacked tissues enables the tissues to be removed from a small openingwithout being replaced. The small opening is wide enough to allowpassage of a tissue vertically with respect to the small opening, thoughnot its length. Tissues can only be removed if directly pulled. Asstructured, each tissue is placed flat atop the preceding tissue and aportion of each tissue is folded into the proceeding tissue. As thetissue closest to the opening is removed, the next available tissue ispulled to expose an end which can also be easily removed through thesmall opening.

This structuring of Kleenex™ tissues is directed to a one-time use ofdisposable tissues. The small opening enables tissues to be removed butdoes not enable a consumer to replace a tissue once removed. Moreover,even if a consumer could somehow replace the tissue, the consumer wouldbe forced to replicate the stacked and folded structure to be able toagain easily remove the tissues through the small opening. It is notpractical to expect consumers to fold small tissues in this manner.Therefore, these containers are not suitable for a reusable paper-towelsystem using conventional tissues.

In order to enable a consumer to easily use and reuse a reusable apaper-towel, a paper-towel container can be used which allows reusablepaper-towels to be refilled without a particular structuring of thepaper-towels. That is, a consumer can place an unorganized mass ofcleaned paper-towels in the container even if the reusable paper-towelsare not attached to each other in a spiral formation and are not placedflat on top of each other or interlaced. By not requiring a structuringof refilled paper-towels, the paper-towel container aids consumeradoption of reusable paper-towels.

Various materials can be used to construct the reusable paper-towels.For example, non-woven cotton can be manufactured relatively cheaplywith various properties advantageous for use as a reusable paper-towel.In particular, non-woven cotton can be made to dry relatively quickly toprevent or limit development of mold after use. Also, non-woven cottoncan be manufactured to be relatively coarse for scrubbing or relativelysoft for comfort. Microfiber can also be used. Microfiber can be usefulto avoid staining and for longevity. Reusable paper-towels can be colorcoded based on properties, such as materials, size, or shape. However,the size of the reusable paper-towel can be used to control the easewith which the reusable paper-towels are unloaded. For example, a towelsize that is too large can promote a group of towels to wrap togethersuch that a single towel is not easily separated. Moreover, a towel sizethat is too large can inhibit the ease with which a towel is removedfrom an opening of a reusable paper-towel apparatus. In contrast, atowel size that is too small can increase the likelihood that towelsfall out or are otherwise accidentally removed from an opening of areusable paper-towel apparatus. Therefore, a consumer can you use coloridentification to select one or multiple non-structured reusablepaper-towels from a paper-towel container for a given situation.

One example of such a paper-towel container is the reusable paper-towelholding apparatus 100 with a protruding portion shown in FIG. 1. Theapparatus 100 is configured to be loaded and reloaded with reusablepaper-towels in a non-structured manner. In particular, the apparatus100 can be loaded with reusable paper-towels that are not organized,folded, wrapped, or otherwise structured. The apparatus 100 includes aninner circumferential casing 111, an outer circumferential casing 112, areusable paper-towel holding compartment 113, and a protruding portion116.

The inner circumferential casing 111 can be configured to allow passageof a paper-towel roll holding-rod (not shown). In particular, the innercircumferential casing 111 can define an inner hollow space 114 which isopen at either end. By being open at either end, a paper-towel rollholding-rod can pass through the inner hollow space 114 such that theapparatus 100 can be mounted on a paper-towel roll holder. The outercircumferential casing 112 largely surrounds the inner circumferentialcasing to define the paper-towel holding compartment 113.

The apparatus 100 enables reusable paper-towels to be reloaded with afront loading mechanism. In particular, the outer circumferential casing112 is able to move with respect to the inner circumferential casing 111to provide a large input opening 115 with which reusable paper-towelscan be loaded into the paper-towel holding compartment 113. By using afront loading mechanism, the apparatus 100 may be easily reloadedwithout being removed from a mounting with a paper-towel holding-rod. Toenable convenient loading when non-structured, the input opening 115created by the front loading mechanism must be of a substantial sizerelative to the side-length of the reusable paper-towel. By being asubstantial size, a group of reusable paper-towels can be convenientlyloaded at the same time, even when clumped or otherwise disorganized. Insome implementations, to enable ease of loading, the span of the inputopening 115 created by the front loading mechanism should be largeenough so that at least three clumped reusable paper-towels can beloaded. Particularly flexible or thin reusable paper-towels may beloaded with less span of the input opening 115 while particularlyinflexible or thick reusable paper-towels may load easily only with morespan of the input opening 115.

The outer circumferential casing 112 includes a protruding portion 116which defines an output opening 117 to the reusable paper-towel holdingcompartment 113 which allows access to reusable paper-towels stored inthe reusable paper-towel holding compartment 113. The output opening 117serves as the primary mechanism from which reusable paper-towels areremoved from the apparatus 100 for each use. Since the reusablepaper-towels are pulled out of the apparatus 100 rather then beingpushed in, the size required of the opening 117 is smaller than thatrequired for the input opening 115 created by the front loadingmechanism to load the apparatus 100. However, because the reusablepaper-towels in the reusable paper-towel holding compartment 113 are notstructured, the user may need to reach partially inside the apparatus100 to grab on to a portion of a reusable paper-towel and remove it fromthe apparatus 100. Therefore, the output opening 117 can be made wideenough to allow a portion of a thumb and finger to pass, such as a spanof one to two inches. The output opening 117, however, is generally notmade significantly larger than required to prevent reusable paper-towelsfrom unintentionally falling or sliding out of the apparatus 100.

The output opening 117 is located on the bottom of the apparatus 100, asmounted. This location allows gravity to progressively move reusablepapers towards the output opening 117 as the reusable paper-towels arewithdrawn. In particular, when filled, reusable paper-towels fill muchof the volume of the reusable paper-towel compartment 113. As reusablepaper-towels are removed from the apparatus 100, an empty space is madeat the bottom of the apparatus 100. Due to gravity, the reusablepaper-towels fall toward the bottom of the apparatus 100, filling theempty space and placing additional reusable paper-towels close to theoutput opening 117 for ease of removal. As shown, the output opening 117is located at the bottom of the apparatus 100 but does not open toexpose the underside of the apparatus 100. Also, the output opening 117is not oriented vertically as mounted. Rather, the output opening ispositioned at approximately a 45 degree angle above a horizontal planardirection. This non-vertical and non-horizontal positioning of theoutput opening 117 further minimizes the unintentional removal ofreusable paper-towels. Also, this non-horizontal position of the outputopening 117 enables a somewhat larger width of the output opening 117while minimizing unintentional removal than would be enabled if theoutput opening 117 exposed the underside of the apparatus 100.

The above description of the apparatus 100 as well as the belowdescription of additional features are examples. Other implementationsmay be configured differently and with different features. For example,other implementations of the apparatus 100 may include a substantiallycone shape with the output opening 117 at the bottom of the apparatus100 to emphasize the use of gravity in bringing towels closer to theoutput opening 117.

FIG. 2 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 200 without a protruding portion 116. In particular, theapparatus 200 includes an exit opening 227 with a near verticalorientation and not protruding from the apparatus 200. Also, theapparatus 200 includes an outer circumferential casing 222 that definesmounting openings 224 which, as shown, are covered by ear-muff holders229. The apparatus 200 includes a top loading mechanism by allowing atop piece of the outer circumferential casing 222 to be removed,providing a large input opening (not shown) with which reusablepaper-towels can be loaded into the paper-towel holding compartment.

The apparatus 200 is configured to be mounted using ear-muff holders 229without necessarily passing a paper-towel holding-rod 228 through theapparatus 200. In particular, the outer circumferential casing 222defines mounting openings 224 which can be used to allow passage of apaper-towel holding-rod 228 (similar to the inner circumferential casing111 of FIG. 1), to allow locking by ear-muff holder 229, or both.Locking by ear-muff holders 229 can include placing a short indentedknob onto the mounting openings 224 at either end of the apparatus 200and holding the knobs into the mounting openings 224 with a constantinward pressure. The apparatus 200 enables reusable paper-towels to bereloaded with a top loading mechanism which creates a large inputopening with which reusable paper-towels can be loaded into thepaper-towel holding compartment (not shown).

The outer circumferential casing 222 defines an output opening 227 tothe reusable paper-towel holding compartment which allows access toreusable paper-towels stored in the reusable paper-towel holdingcompartment, but does not include a protruding portion 116. Similar toFIG. 1, the output opening 227 is located on the bottom of the apparatus200, as mounted, to allow gravity to progressively move reusable paperstowards the output opening 227 as the reusable paper-towels arewithdrawn. Also, the output opening 227 is angled substantiallyvertically as mounted. This substantially vertical, not on a protrudingportion, positioning can allow convenient access to the reusablepaper-towels if the apparatus 200 is mounted at a significant verticalheight. For example, if a paper-towel holder with ear-muffs is mountedon the underside of a kitchen counter or at chest level on a publicbathroom wall, the height of the apparatus 200 may result in easieraccess to reusable paper-towels with the positioning of the outputopening 227 than with the positioning of the output opening 117.However, the span of the output opening 227 may be somewhat smaller thanthe span out output opening 117 to have a more substantial effect onpreventing unintentional removal of reusable paper-towels.

FIGS. 3A-3B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses configured to allow reuse of paper-towels while functioningas conventional paper-towel rolls.

FIG. 3A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 300A horizontally 310A and vertically 320A which is configuredto allow reuse of paper-towels while functioning as a conventionalpaper-towel roll. The apparatus 300A has an outer circumferential casing322A which is substantially cylindrical in shape so as to mimic the sizeof a conventional paper-towel roll. As such, the apparatus 300A is ableto be mounted with many devices configured to mount conventionalpaper-towel rolls. The ends 322A of the cylinder can have flattenedportions or ridges to increase stability when placed vertically. Asshown, the vertically placed apparatus 320A is filled with reusablepaper-towels 325A. The reusable paper-towels 325A are not structured,but, rather, are placed in the apparatus 320A in a disorganized fashion.As discussed above, an output opening 327A is configured to minimizeoccurrence of the paper-towels unintentionally falling or sliding out ofthe apparatus 320A.

FIG. 3B is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 300B with multiple output openings 332B-338B to allow forreuse of paper-towels while functioning as a conventional paper-towelroll. In particular, the apparatus 300B include four output openings332B-338B which are equally spaced along a radius of the apparatus 300B.Other implementations can include a greater or fewer number of outputopenings. A larger number of output openings may enhance thefunctionality described below, while a smaller number of output openingsmay be used to simplify manufacturing and design. The multiple outputopenings 332B-338B can allow for ease of extraction of reusablepaper-towels from the paper-towel holding apparatus 300B.

In some implementations, the mounted apparatus 300B is able to berotated, similar to a conventional paper-towel role. Therefore,including only a single output opening would require the user to rotatethe apparatus 300B such that the single output opening is in front ofthe user in order to extract a reusable paper-towel. However, themultiple output-openings 332B-338B shown in FIG. 3B allow for minimal(e.g., less than 90 degrees) rotation of the apparatus 300B to extract areusable paper-towel. In this manner, various implementations of theapparatus 300B are more convenient to a user than a conventionalpaper-towel roll, as only minimal rotation of the apparatus 300B isrequired.

Also, regardless of whether the apparatus 300B can be rotated, themultiple output openings 332B-338B can allow for the user to extractreusable paper-towel from multiple directions, as mounted. Therefore, inany given situation, extraction of a reusable paper-towel is more likelyto be convenient to a user than extraction with an apparatus with only asingle output opening. This feature can be particularly useful forreusable paper-towel mounts which do not allow for rotation of areusable paper-towel holding apparatus after mounting. The apparatus300B can also be mounted with a paper-towel holding rod, ear-muffs, orother mounting styles discussed above and below.

FIGS. 4A-4C are example illustrations of loading mechanisms for areusable paper-towel holding apparatus. The loading mechanisms of FIGS.4A-4C can be used with the apparatuses of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4A shows an apparatus 410A configured to enable loading of reusablepaper-towels by lifting the outer circumferential casing 412A. Inparticular, the outer circumferential casing 412A is initially held inplace through frication or a locking mechanism (not shown) to provide anenclosed reusable paper-towel holding compartment 413A. To reload theapparatus 410A, the consumer opens the outer circumferential casing 412Ato expose the reusable paper-towel holding compartment 413A and thenplaces the reusable paper-towels in the apparatus 410A. This loadingmechanism can allow for particularly quick loading as compared tovarious other mechanisms as it exposes the majority of the reusablepaper-towel holding compartment 413A for loading. Also, this loadingmechanism can enable loading of the apparatus 410A while the apparatusis mounted with both ends in a paper-towel holding-rod or with ear-muffholders.

FIG. 4B shows an apparatus 420B configured to enable loading of reusablepaper-towels by sliding. In the apparatus 420B, a middle circumferentialcasing 426B is initially held in place through friction or a lockingmechanism (not shown) to provide an enclosed reusable paper-towelholding compartment 423B. The middle circumferential casing 426B is nota fully enclosed cylinder as it includes an open face. To reload theapparatus 420B, the consumer slides the middle circumferential casing426B with respect to an outer circumference casing 412B and out of theend of the apparatus 420B. As the middle circumferential casing 426Bslides out of the apparatus 420B, the open face is exposed. The consumerthen inserts the reusable paper-towels through the open face and intothe middle circumferential casing 426B and slides the middlecircumferential casing 426B back into the apparatus 420B. This loadingmechanism can allow for ease of loading the apparatus 420B withoutrequiring significant additional space with respect to the radius of theapparatus 420B. For example, if mounted under a surface such as thebottom of a cabinet, space may not be available to lift the outercircumferential casing 422B without fully removing the apparatus 420Bfrom its mount (i.e., without removing mounting attachments at both endsof the apparatus 420B).

FIG. 4C shows an apparatus 430C configured to enable loading of reusablepaper-towels by use of an end-cap 438C. The end-cap 438C is initiallyheld in place closing off the end of the apparatus 430C through frictionor a locking mechanism (not shown). To reload the apparatus 430C, theconsumer removes the end-cap 438C to expose a reusable paper-towelholding compartment. The consumer then inserts the reusable paper-towelsin the reusable paper-towel holding compartment and replaces the end-cap438C. This loading mechanism can also allow for ease of loading theapparatus 430C without requiring significant additional space withrespect to the radius of the apparatus 430C. Also, this loadingmechanism can allow for increased efficiency in reloading. Inparticular, by only opening an end of the cylinder, it can be easier fora consumer to more completely fill the space of the reusable paper-towelholding compartment when loading a group of reusable paper-towels.

As discussed above, a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus may not beshaped identically to a conventional paper-towel roll. Nevertheless, itmay be convenient for a user to mount the reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus on a conventional paper-towel holding-rod. FIGS. 5-9D areexample illustrations of mounting mechanisms for mounting a reusablepaper-towel holding apparatus to a conventional paper-towel holding-rod.The mounting mechanisms may be used in conjunction with the apparatusesof, for example, FIGS. 1-4C. Reusable paper-towel holding apparatusesthat are able to be mounted like conventional paper-towel rolls can beeasily replaced like conventional paper-towel rolls. In some cases,reusable paper-towel apparatus may be designed with the intention thatthe apparatus will be removed from a holder once emptied of reusablepaper-towels and replaced with a second reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus which is loaded with further reusable paper-towels. In thismanner, a removed reusable paper-towel holding apparatus can be laterrefilled at a user's convenience while the second reusable paper-towelholding apparatus includes further reusable paper-towels that areimmediately available.

The mounting mechanisms of FIGS. 5-9D can be placed at opposing ends ofthe reusable paper-towel holding apparatus, either inside or outside ofthe apparatus. In one implementation, the mounting mechanisms are placedon end caps. The mounting mechanisms can be configured to be operatedthrough, for example, twisting of a cap, pressing of a lever or button,applying force directly on the mechanism, or through other means.

FIG. 5 is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 500 which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a fitted center. The fitted center includes aflexible circumference 510 which surrounds a hollow cylinder 520. Thisflexible circumference 510 can be made out of plastic, rubber, oranother elastomer formed to have a hollow center in which a paper-towelholding-rod can slide through.

The flexible circumference 510 may be formed with such dimensions thatthe paper-towel holding-rod presses against the flexible circumference510 when slid through the hollow cylinder 520. In general, the diameterof the hollow cylinder 520 may be slightly larger to slightly smallerthan the diameter of a paper-towel holding-rod. A diameter of the hollowcylinder 520 which is about the same size or slightly smaller than thediameter of a paper-towel holding-rod can be used to create a pressurefrom the flexible circumference 510 on the paper-towel holding-rod. Thepressure on the paper-towel holding-rod can create friction which keepsthe reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 500 in place on a paper-towelholding-rod. Moreover, the surface of the flexible circumference 510 maybe uneven or ruff to augment the amount of friction.

FIG. 6A is example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 610A which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clamp 612A. The holding-rodclamp 612A can be made out of plastic, rubber, or another elastomerformed to maintain a permanent semi-flexible shape with a protrudingportion 614A adjacent to a crevice 613A.

When a paper-towel holding-rod is pushed into the protruding portion614A, the semi-flexible shape responds by opening slightly, enabling therod to be mounted securely inside the crevice 613A. A further force isrequired to pull the paper-towel holding-rod out of the mounting in thecrevice 613A. The holding-rod clamp 612A can be placed at the ends ofthe reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 610A. In one implementation,the holding-rod clamp 612A is configured to be mounted on thepaper-towel holding-rod by being pushed inward towards the center of thedevice. Once pushed inward, the holding-rod clamp 612A is even with thesurface 616A of the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 610A suchthat the holding-rod clamp 612A exhibits no profile.

FIG. 6B is example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 620B which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clamp 622B with teeth 624B andend-pieces 626B. The holding-rod clamp 622B is configured such that theend-pieces 626B can be pushed inward while their position isincrementally locked by the teeth 624B. The end pieces 626B can bepushed inward by, for example, turning of a cap, pressing of a leveler,or through other means. Also, as they are pushed inward, the end-pieces626B can be pushed around a paper-towel-holding-rod.

The teeth 624B can then be used to lock the end-pieces 626B in thepressed inward position such that they are pressed around thepaper-towel-holding-rod. When locked by the teeth 624B, the end-pieces626B can apply a pressure to the paper-towel holding-rod. In thismanner, a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 620B can be mounted ona paper-towel holding-rod. The locking by the teeth 624B can later bereversed through a further user manipulation of, for example, a cap orlever. In some implementations, the end-pieces 626B are made out of aflexible material and flex partly around the paper-towel holding-rodwhen forced.

FIG. 7A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 710A which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener 712A. In particular,the holding-rod fastener 712A includes arm pieces 714A adjacent to roundpieces 716A. The arm pieces 714A and round pieces 716A can be made outof various metals, plastics, or rubber. In one implementation, however,the arm pieces 714A are made out of plastic while the round pieces 716Aare made out of plastic and coated with rubber.

User manipulation by, for example, the twisting of a cap or pressing ofa button or lever is used to create a pressure on the arm pieces 714A.This pressure on the arm pieces 714A presses the adjacent round pieces716A inward. As the round pieces 716A are pressed inward, the roundpieces 716A are pushed against a paper-towel holding-rod which has beenslid through the hollow center of the reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 710A. The pressure between the round pieces 716A and thepaper-towel holding-rod is used to mount the reusable paper-towelholding apparatus 710A on the paper-towel holding-rod.

FIG. 7B is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 720B which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener 722B. In particular,the holding-rod fastener 722B includes arm pieces 724B adjacent tospring pieces 726B. As a pressure is created on the arm pieces 724B, theadjacent spring pieces 726B are pushed inward. As they move inward, thespring pieces 726B are pushed against a paper-towel holding-rod, therebycreating friction. The further in they are pushed, the greater theresponsive pressure from the spring pieces 726B. In someimplementations, a cap (not shown) is placed over the arm pieces 724B.As the cap is turned, pressure is applied to the arm pieces 724B which,in turn, applies inward pressure to the spring pieces 726B. The pressurebetween the spring pieces 726B and a paper-towel holding-rod is used tomount the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 720B on the paper-towelholding-rod. A locking mechanism, such as teeth (not shown), can be usedto latch the holding-rod fastener 722B such that the spring pieces 726Bplace pressure on a paper-towel holding-rod.

FIG. 7C is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 730C which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod fastener 732C. In particular,the holding-rod fastener 732C includes arm pieces 734C with inner fixedends 736C and outer ends 738C. The inner fixed ends 736C are fixed to aportion at or near the inner surface of the hollow cylinder in which thepaper-towel hold-rod slides through. The outer ends 738C can rotate withrespect to an outer rotatable structure, such as an inner surface of acap (not shown). As the outer rotatable structure, or cap, is rotated,the outer ends 738C are rotated circumferentially around the hollowcylinder. This rotation moves the arm pieces 734C inwards against apaper-towel holding-rod, thereby creating pressure between thepaper-towel holding-rod and the arm pieces 734C. This pressure is usedto mount the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 730C on thepaper-towel holding-rod. Reversible locking teeth, such as those shownin FIG. 6B can be used to lock the arm pieces 734C in place. In oneimplementation, the arm pieces 734C are formed as rubber. In anotherimplementation, the arm pieces 734C are formed as a metal bar surroundedby rubber.

FIG. 8A is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 810A which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clasp 812A. The holding-rodclasp 812A includes two opposing arms 813A and 814A and a common spring815A. In some implementations, the opposing arms 813A and 814A eachcomprise a set of several arms 816A. The use of a set of several arms816A as the arm 813A and as arm 814A can provide additional strength andsecurity to the mount.

The spring 815A is configured to continuously apply pressure forcing theopposing arms 813A and 814A together. In some implementations, theopposing arms 813A and 814A are metal so as to ensure strength. In otherimplementations, the opposing arms 813A and 814A are rubber or plastic,so as to maintain flexibility.

To operate the holding-rod clasp 812A, the opposing arms 813A and 814Aare pulled apart to create an opening in which the paper-towelholding-rod can slide through. The opposing arms 813A and 814A can bepulled apart through, for example, turning of a cap, pressing of aleveler, direct user manipulation, or through other means. Once thepaper-towel holding-rod is slid through, the opposing arms 813A and 814Aare released. Thereafter, the pressure created by the spring 815A forcesthe opposing arms 813A and 814A to wrap around and place pressure on thepaper-towel holding-rod. This pressure is used to mount the reusablepaper-towel holding apparatus 810A on the paper-towel holding-rod.

FIG. 8B is an example illustration of a reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 820B which is configured to be mounted on a paper-towelholding-rod through use of a holding-rod clasp 822B. The holding-rodclasp 822B is formed with a flexible cable 824B, such as a metal springor rubber line. In general, the flexible cable is operated to create aloop that is within or over the outside of a hollow cylinder 826Bthrough the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 820B. As apaper-towel holding-rod is slid through the hollow cylinder 826B, it isalso passed through the loop. Thereafter, the loop is tightened suchthat the loop shrinks and squeezes the paper-towel holding-rod.

In one implementation, the holding-rod clasp 822B is formed with a metalspring that includes a rubber grip. The metal spring is formed tocontinuously apply pressure to shrink the loop. To insert thepaper-towel holding-rod through the loop, the user must first operate acap or lever to force open the spring, increasing the size of the loop.Thereafter, the user releases the cap or lever and the metal springreturns to its original shape, squeezing the paper-towel holding-rod.

In another implementation, the holding-rod clasp 822B is formed with arubber line. As mounted on the reusable paper-towel holding-rodapparatus, the rubber line maintains a loop larger than a paper-towelholding-rod, enabling a user to simply insert the paper-towelholding-rod through the loop. Thereafter, the user must operate a cap orlever connected to locking teeth to tighten the loop. The tightened loopsqueezes the paper-towel holding-rod.

FIGS. 9A-9D are example illustrations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatuses which are configured to be mounted on an ear-muff stylepaper-towel holder. The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 910A ofFIG. 9A includes a flexible cable 912A. Initially, the flexible cable912A can be tucked into the cap or otherwise maintained internally 914A.The flexible cable 912A is connected to a spring loaded rod (not shown)which pulls the flexible cable 912A into the reusable paper-towelholding apparatus 910A. When pulled outward, the flexible cable 912A canbe wrapped around the end 916A of an ear-muff style paper-towel holder915A. Thereafter, a spring-loaded rod reclaims the slack of the flexiblecable 912A. The reusable paper-towel holding-rod then hangs from theear-muff style paper-towel holder 915A.

The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 920B of FIG. 9B includes tabs922A which are used to attach the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus920B to an ear-muff style paper-towel holder 925B. The tabs 922A can beconfigured to be spring loaded, such that the springs push the tabs intoends 926B of an ear-muff style paper-towel holder 925B when mounted. Inother implementations, tabs 922A can be made from a material whichprovides some inherent flexibility while maintaining a permanent shape,such as, for example, plastic or rubber. In this manner, the tabs 922Acan be attached to the ends 926B of the ear-muff style paper-towelholder 925B.

The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 930C of FIG. 9C uses a rigidcable 932C which can be manipulated. The rigid cable 932C can be made ofa chain of plastic pieces connected by connectors that allow theindividual plastic pieces to move and rotate but still stay steady aftermanipulation. In one implementation, the rigid cable 932C is made up ofGorillapod™ flexible connector. In particular, the rigid cable 932C canbe wrapped over or around an ear-muff style paper-towel holder (notshown). When released from user manipulation, the rigid cable 932Cretains its shape. In this manner, the reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 930C can be hung or otherwise attached to an ear-muff stylepaper-towel holder.

The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 940D of FIG. 9D includes awrap-around grip 942D. The grip 942D has a rigid shape that can bepulled open slightly to allow the ends of the grip to be slipped overthe ends 946D of an ear-muff style paper-towel holder 945D. Whenreleased, the grip 942D squeezes the ends 946D of the ear-muff stylepaper-towel holder 945D, thereby creating a pressure. From thispressure, the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus is mounted on theear-muff style paper-towel holder 945D. The grip 942D can be made from amaterial which provides some inherent flexibility while maintaining apermanent shape, such as, for example, plastic or rubber. In someimplementations, rather than be flexible, the grip 942D includes amechanism to shrink its length. For example, after placing the grip 942Daround the ends 946D, a cap can be operated to shrink the length of thegrip 942D. By shrinking the length of the grip 942D, the grip 942D canbe made to apply pressure to the ends 946D.

In various implementations, the reusable paper-towel holding apparatuscan use flexible end-caps along with, or in lieu of, the featuresdescribed with respect to FIGS. 9A-9D to enable mounting on an ear-muffstyle paper-towel holder. In particular, the opposing ends of thecylindrical body of a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus (such as,for example end caps 322A of FIG. 3A) can be made of a flexible materialthat is able to temporarily compress when under a compressing force,such as rubber or a flexible plastic. In order to mount suchimplementations, the end caps of the reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus are pressed inward before placing the apparatus between theear-muffs. Thereafter, the end-caps resume their shape against theear-muffs. In this manner, a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus isable to be mounted on rigid ear-muffs. Also, in some implementations,the end-caps employ a metal spring.

Depending upon the circumstance, a reusable paper-towel may be usedmultiple times before being cleaned. For instance, while a reusablepaper-towel used to wipe food parts may not remain sanitary after asingle use, a reusable paper-towel used to dry a washed dish may remainsanitary after multiple uses. For various reasons, however it may not bepractical for the user to simply reinsert a used but sanitary reusablepaper-towel into a reusable paper-towel holding apparatus.

As discussed above, many implementations of reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus are configured to maintain non-structured paper-towels whichcan be removed through an opening which is configured to allow ease ofremoval but not ease of insertion. As such, to easily reinsert a usedreusable paper-towel, a user may be required to open a separate loadingmechanism and/or dismount the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus.Such a requirement may not facilitate using a reusable paper-towelmultiple times before washing.

Moreover, after a use, a reusable paper-towel may be wet. Reinserting awet reusable paper-towel into an enclosed compartment may facilitate thegrowth of mold or otherwise lead to non-sanitary conditions. Therefore,a user may wish to dry the towel before placing the towel in thereusable paper-towel holding apparatus of reusing.

Accordingly, in order to enable a user to use a reusable paper-towelmultiple times before cleaning, external reusable paper-towel holdingstructures may be used. FIGS. 10A & 10B are example illustrations ofreusable paper-towel holding apparatuses 1010A & 1020B with externalreusable paper-towel holding structures. The reusable paper-towelholding apparatus 1010A of FIG. 10A includes an external hook 1012A. Theexternal hook 1012A can be used to hook a reusable paper-towel along theoutside of the device to facilitate ease of reuse and drying. Theexternal hook 1012A can be configured to be able to be placed in aretracted position 1014A inside the reusable paper-towel holdingapparatus 1010A. When in the retracted position 1014A, an internal latch(not shown) locks the external hook 1012A in its retracted state. If theinternal latch is released by a user action on a button 1016A, theexternal hook 1012A is forced downward to its external position by aspring loaded mechanism (not shown). In other implementations, theexternal hook 1012A of FIG. 10A can be replaced with a spring loadedclip.

The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1020B of FIG. 10B includes anexternal bar 1022B. The external bar 1022B can be used to drape areusable paper-towel along the outside of the device to facilitate easeof reuse and drying. The external bar 1022B can be configured to be ableto be placed in a retracted position 1024B inside the reusablepaper-towel holding apparatus 1020B. In some implementations, theexternal bar 1022B is free to slide in and out of the device from theretracted position 1024B to an external position. In otherimplementations, an internal latch (not shown) can be used to lock theexternal bar 1022B in its retracted position 1024B. If the internallatch is released by a user action on a button 1026B (not shown), theexternal bar 1022B is forced outward to its external position by aspring loaded mechanism (not shown).

In some implementations, the reusable paper-towel holding apparatus isconfigured to hold both used (i.e., soiled) and unused (i.e., cleaned)reusable paper-towels internally. Such implementations can be convenientin that they can allow for reusable paper-towels to be kept together,both before and after they are used. Moreover, such implementations canbe particularly useful for portable reusable paper-towel apparatus.FIGS. 11A & 11B are example illustrations of reusable paper-towelholding apparatuses 1110A and 1120B with dual internal compartmentsindividually tailored for used and unused reusable paper-towels,respectively.

The reusable paper-towel holding apparatus 1110A of FIG. 11A includes aused compartment 1112A and a unused compartment 1114A. Each of the usedand unused compartments 1112A and 1114A are adapted to promote sanitarycondition with respect to the type of reusable paper-towel they hold. Inparticular, the used compartment 1112A includes a mesh covering. Becausea used reusable paper-towel may be wet and susceptible to mold orbacterial growth, the mesh covering includes numerous holes allowing forthe stored reusable paper-towels to dry. In this manner, the usedcompartment 1112A is adapted to promote sanitary condition of usedreusable paper-towels. On the other hand, the unused compartment 1114Aincludes a continuous covering which does not include holes. Thecontinuous covering shields unused reusable paper-towels fromcontamination originating outside reusable paper-towel holder. In thismanner, the unused compartment 1114A is adapted to protect the existingsanitation of cleaned reusable paper-towels.

The reusable paper-towel apparatus 1120B of FIG. 11B includes a furtherfeature with respect to the used compartment 1122B and unusedcompartment 1124B. In particular, the used compartment 1122B of thereusable paper-towel apparatus 1120B is able to be removed from itsattachment to the used compartment 1124B. Removal of the usedcompartment 1122B can provide convenience for cleaning of the usedreusable paper-towels. Moreover, in some implementations, the usedcompartment 1122B can be closed (not shown). In these implementations,the used compartment can be washed (such as in a conventional washingmachine) with the used reusable paper-towels stored inside. In thismanner, the used reusable paper-towels can be cleaned without beingremoved from the used compartment 1122B.

A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless, it will beunderstood that various modifications may be made without departing fromthe spirit and scope of this disclosure. Accordingly, other embodimentsare within the scope of the following claims.

1. A reusable towel dispenser comprising: a reusable towel holdingcompartment; a reusable towel output of the reusable towel holdingcompartment, the reusable towel output being configured to enable areusable towel to be removed from the reusable towel holdingcompartment; a reusable towel input of the towel holding compartment,the reusable towel input being configured to allow reusable towels to beloaded in the reusable towel holding compartment; and a mountingstructure configured to mount the reusable towel dispenser to apaper-towel holding-rod of a paper-towel holder using a clamp, whereinthe clamp includes a crevice configured to hold the paper-towelholding-rod, and the clamp includes opposing pieces that are configuredto be pushed toward each other such that the opposing piecessubstantially surround the paper-towel holding-rod.
 2. A reusable toweldispenser comprising: a reusable towel holding compartment; a reusabletowel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusabletowel output being configured to enable a reusable towel to be removedfrom the reusable towel holding compartment; a reusable towel input ofthe towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input being configuredto allow reusable towels to be loaded in the reusable towel holdingcompartment; and a mounting structure configured to mount the reusabletowel dispenser to a paper-towel holder.
 3. The reusable towel dispenserof claim 2 wherein the mounting structure includes a fastener configuredto fasten the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod. 4.The reusable towel dispenser of claim 3 further comprising an operatingmechanism of the fastener, wherein: to fasten the reusable toweldispenser to the paper-towel holding-rod, the fastener is configured toapply pressure around the paper-towel holding-rod as an operatingmechanism is rotated.
 5. The reusable towel dispenser of claim 4 whereinthe operating mechanism is a cap.
 6. The reusable towel dispenser ofclaim 2 wherein the mounting structure includes a clasp configured toclasp the reusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod of the apaper-towel holder.
 7. The reusable towel dispenser of claim 6 wherein:the clasp includes two opposing curved arms and a spring configured topush the opposing arms towards each other; and to clasp the reusabletowel dispenser to the paper-towel holding-rod, the opposing curved armsare configured to be able to be moved outward such that the paper-towelholding-rod can pass between the opposing curved arms.
 8. The reusabletowel dispenser of claim 6 wherein: the clasp includes a metal springconfigured to form a loop; and to clasp the reusable towel dispenser tothe paper-towel holding-rod, the spring is configured to be able to beopened such that the loop becomes large enough to allow passage of thepaper-towel holding-rod.
 9. The reusable towel dispenser of claim 2wherein the mounting structure is configured to mount the reusable toweldispenser to an ear-muff style paper-towel holder.
 10. The reusabletowel dispenser of claim 9 wherein: the mounting structure includes acable configured to wrap around one or more ends of the ear-muff stylepaper-towel holder.
 11. The reusable towel dispenser of claim 10 furthercomprising a spring-loaded rod configured to retract slack from thecable into the reusable towel dispenser.
 12. The reusable toweldispenser of claim 9 the mounting structure includes a grip configuredto be placed around ends of the ear-muff style paper-towel holder. 13.The reusable towel dispenser of claim 12 wherein the grip is configuredto press the ends of the ear-muff style paper-towel holder inwardtowards the reusable towel dispenser.
 14. The reusable towel dispenserof claim 2 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to lock themounting structure in a position where the reusable towel dispenser ismounted to the paper-towel holder.
 15. The reusable towel dispenser ofclaim 2 further comprising a hollow cylindrical center of the reusabletowel dispenser configured to allow passage of a paper-towel holding-rodof the a paper-towel holder.
 16. The reusable towel dispenser of claim15 wherein an inner surface of the hollow cylindrical center is coveredwith an elastomer.
 17. The reusable towel dispenser of claim 2 whereinthe mounting structure includes a clamp configured to clamp the reusabletowel dispenser to a paper-towel holding-rod.
 18. The reusable toweldispenser of claim 17 wherein the clamp includes a crevice configured tohold the paper-towel holding-rod.
 19. The reusable towel dispenser ofclaim 17 wherein the clamp includes opposing pieces that are configuredto be pushed toward each other such that the opposing piecessubstantially surround the paper-towel holding-rod.
 20. A reusable toweldispenser comprising: a reusable towel holding compartment; a reusabletowel output of the reusable towel holding compartment, the reusabletowel output being configured to enable a reusable towel to be removedfrom the reusable towel holding compartment; a reusable towel input ofthe towel holding compartment, the reusable towel input being configuredto allow reusable towels to be loaded in the reusable towel holdingcompartment; and means for a mounting structure configured to mount thereusable towel dispenser to a paper-towel holder.